Faithfulness

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” -Psalm 37:3

As many of you know, my younger sister Mary has been in a nursing home for the last couple of years. Each day my mom and dad make the twenty mile trip to Rush City, MN to visit her. On the rare days that they are not able, another close friend or relative spends time with her. A testimony of faithfulness, love and care for a dearly beloved daughter. Each Sunday as we come together for worship there are people who week by week, Sunday by Sunday prepare for worship, some in visible ways, and others behind the scene. I am so grateful for the faithfulness of so many – many who selflessly serve others and in doing so worship and honor our great God and King!

In Psalm 37 we are encouraged to “cultivate faithfulness” where there is the picture of caring for and tending to something that has been planted. It also carries with it the idea of pasturing or tending to a flock as the Lord is faithful to us. How does this happen? God’s Word gives us the answer, “trust in the Lord,” “delight yourself in the Lord,” “commit your way to the Lord,” “trust also in Him,” “rest in the Lord,” “wait patiently for Him,” and the promise is “the humble will inherit the land.” (Ps. 37:3-11) God gives graciously to all who are resting in His promises for salvation and life, ultimately inheriting and experiencing eternal life. This is God’s work in our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit!

What are some things that may rob us of experiencing God “cultivating faithfulness” in our lives? I believe that a slow, slight disregard to God’s Word is one factor. This happens slowly over time. Maybe at one time you were excited to study the Bible, anxious to spend time in God’s Word and prayer, but slowly over time other so-called “urgent” things or activities have crossed this out. Another factor where Satan may be robbing you of experiencing the fullness of God’s blessing might be the slowly falling out of fellowship with other believers. When you take a hot ember out of a fire eventually it goes out! Or could it be that you are too busy for His Word and fellowship with the body of Christ. It amazes me that sometimes people have time for everything else in the world except for time alone with God and with His children.

Let’s seek God’s face, “cultivate” faithfulness and see Him at work. Praise God that He offers us all the spiritual blessings of eternal life, His Holy Spirit, a family to belong to and great purpose for our lives! Faithfulness is a gift of God’s work in our lives and not something that we strive for in order to earn God’s favor. Faithfulness is a gift from God and I praise God for each one of you and your faithfulness!

Exodus Preaching Series - Pastor Dan and I are excited to begin a new preaching series on Sunday, September 15th . We will share a series of messages from the book of Exodus leading up to the Christmas season. The book of Exodus speaks to us about the character and nature of God, who is to be worshipped and obeyed as the great “I AM.” It speaks powerfully of how God can use us, like He did with Moses, despite his frailties and failings. There is a great story of perseverance, deliverance and redemption. In Exodus we have the giving of the Law and God renewing His covenant with His people. In preparation for these messages I would encourage you to begin reading and praying for God to use this series in a power!

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Ministerial Acts

Baptism

Emilia Joy

Daughter of Mark & Deveny Vukonich

Tordenskjold – August 25, 2019

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Community Worship Service

Let’s fill the building for the Community Worship Service on the Threshing Grounds on Sunday, September 8 at 9:00 a.m. AFLC Director of Home Missions, Pastor James L. Johnson will be preaching that day. Pastor Johnson has a heart for church planting and revival; you will be blessed! As a reminder, if you are coming just for the worship service, indicate that as you enter the show grounds and you will not be charged admission.

Community Choir - All are invited to sing in the Community Choir for the September 8th service at the Threshing Grounds. There will be two opportunities to practice: Wednesday, September 4 at 7 p.m. at Zion-Sarpsborg and Sunday, September 8 at 8:15 at the threshing grounds before the service.

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The Hainings

The Hainings will be in concert at the Dalton Threshing Grounds on Friday, Sept. 6 at 6:00 pm. There is no charge for the concert. If you wish, you may enjoy a delicious supper of pork tenderloin during the concert. Serving begins at 5:30 p.m. There is a $10 charge for the supper. If you would like information/tickets call 218-589-8157 or 218-589-7036.

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Fall Small Group Bible Studies

We had a good response to our Fall Small Group Bible Study planning meeting and are excited for the possibilities this fall. Detail with be coming soon. There will be opportunities to grow together in God’s Word in all our churches. If you are interested there will be sign-up sheets are our churches. Also, if you are interested in leading or hosting a small group please let Pastor Dan or Pastor Mark know.

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Katy Dahl/Ryan Jones Concert

We are excited to host Katy Dahl and Ryan Jones for a night of praise and worship on Wednesday, Oct. 23rd at 7 p.m. at Zion-Sarpsborg in Dalton. Katy Dahl and Ryan Jones have been worship leaders together at recent FLY Conventions and also perform individually and together. Their heart for the Lord and worship shine through in their music and message!

Katy Dahl is a singer, songwriter, and worship leader in the Twin Cities. She grew up in northern Minnesota with a passion for music and for the Lord. Katy attended AFLBS (a two-year Bible school) in Plymouth, MN then started on staff at Living Hope Church in Rogers as the worship leader where she served for six years. Katy finished her B.S. in music ministry at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul and released her first album of original songs entitled “HOME” in 2017. She then had the opportunity to work with artist and producer Chris August to finish her second album “Faithful,” which was released in 2018. In the past eight months, the songs “Watching Over Me” and “Nothing Without You” from the latest album have had some radio play from stations across the world. Katy is humbled to have the opportunity to share the Gospel through music and is currently serving on staff at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. (katydahl.com)

Ryan Jones lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. As a musician Ryan also is a gifted song writer and arranger. He describes himself in this way, “I like writing songs, arranging strings, and drinking ice cold lemonade even in the winter time. I’m a delivery driver by day, a musician at night, and I absolutely love life.” (ryanleejonesmusic.com)

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Parish Council Meeting

Please remember that our Annual Parish Council Meeting will be on Tuesday, September 24 at 7 p.m. at Zion-Sarpsborg. During this time our councils come together to plan, pray and work together on items related to our work together as a parish.

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Sunday School begins on September 15th!

Invite someone to come with you to Sunday School!

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NEW MEMBER SUNDAY - On Sunday, September 29th we will have a new member Sunday in each of our churches. If you are interested in learning more about or parish or becoming a member please contact Pastor Mark or Pastor Dan.

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Chris Tomlin Concert

Chris Tomlin is coming to the Fargo Dome Thursday, October 10th at 7 p.m.! If you are interested contact Cary (218) 205-1310 or Anita (218) 205-0541 Aasness for more information. Group rate tickets ($22) and if there is enough interest a coach bus is being planned ($13).

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Ushers/Greeters ~ September, 2019

Tordenskjold:

Sept. 1 – Joe & Kim Borgos

Sept. 8 – (Community worship)

Sept. 15 – Mark & Tracy Schoening

Sept. 22 – Kurt Mortenson

Sept. 29 – Brandon & Amy Evavold

Zion-Sarpsborg:

Ushers: Barney Eggen and Richard Hansen

Greeters: Barney & Emily Eggen

Music Committee: Ardella Hagen & Janice Juven

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!” Psalm 89:1